1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
A couple of long range bombs from Braun served as the exclamation point in the final minutes as Minnesota turned a nervy deficit into a commanding lead and eventually gutty win.
—
Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
In the United States, the actor played secondary roles, usually weary, nervy authority figures, such as the stern mentor (Good Will Hunting) and the persnickety scientist (Deep Blue Sea).
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
The best track on Trying Times channels the nervy brilliance of 2023’s Playing Robots Into Heaven, which dug into his dance music past without resorting to nostalgia.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
There was not one false move or false reaction in that nervy performance — one of the best of the year.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2026
In the United States, the actor played secondary roles, usually weary, nervy authority figures, such as the stern mentor (Good Will Hunting) and the persnickety scientist (Deep Blue Sea).
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
The best track on Trying Times channels the nervy brilliance of 2023’s Playing Robots Into Heaven, which dug into his dance music past without resorting to nostalgia.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2026
There was not one false move or false reaction in that nervy performance — one of the best of the year.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
-
Diaz-Balart of Miami is among the Republicans now doubting redistricting is wise.—
Jeffrey Schweers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
David Schulte had helped other cities remove terrain and encourage water-wise sod installations, like a Tahoma 31 Bermuda grass blend.—
Gabriela Vidal,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Wonder responded by making the most liberating, thoughtful, adventurous and eclectic work of his career.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Kane will be enjoying his time on the water and live his active and adventurous lifestyle.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Behind yet another standout performance from Elliot Cadeau, who was named the Final Four’s most outstanding player, the Wolverines weathered a UConn run in the first half that had the massive throng of maize-and-blue fans in Indianapolis feeling nervous.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
-
King had been nervous about the casting process.—
Angelina Mazza,
Vulture,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet behind his cheeky facade lies a current of self-doubt that threatens to unravel him.—
Jennifer Maas,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2026
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The beer names may be fun and cheeky—perennial bestsellers include Screw Loose Blonde and Road Devil Amber Lager—but Pecan Street’s brews have brought home some serious hardware, including a World Beer Cup.—
Jill Robbins,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Finally, a second crew member on the F-15, an Air Force colonel serving as a weapons-systems officer, was picked up Sunday during a daring mission in interior Iraq that involved more than 100 special forces personnel and numerous aircraft.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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Beyond white, Kim, the director of color marketing at Valspar, notes that homeowners are choosing colors that feel a bit more daring or that nod to the surrounding landscape.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Flock Safety has faced strong criticism, with many worried about the public's privacy and security moving forward.—
Heath Kalb,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
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Caroline never actually worried that Harry would cross a line with a patient.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Expect bold, comforting flavors with a punk twist that always deliver unexpected food.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
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Share a bold idea with a mentor, then take a clear first step, even if certain aspects of your plan must wait for timing or budget reasons.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Cox always had a chip on his shoulder, but also seemed invincible — and fearless.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
9 Apr. 2026
-
From a legacy icon to a comeback story to one of the game’s most fearless dressers, the lineup reads like a brand deck designed to bridge generations.—
Ryan Brennan
April 7,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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